Recent news, condensed for a quick read

Black Friday madness continues to wane

The traditional Black Friday shopping frenzy appears to be on the decline. In Delaware, some shoppers were still out early looking for deals on Friday, but there was no need to push and shove to snag deals as huge crowds seemed to stay home. Possibly to blame: The extension of shopping season deals, stores opening on Thanksgiving Day, and online shopping.

Good dog smells gas, saves Long Neck family

Greta, a usually quiet German shepherd rescue dog, woke up her owners in Long Neck with her barking on Nov. 13. And it was a good thing she did — a propane stove in the kitchen was leaking gas that could have suffocated the family or exploded. She was rewarded with steak and sweet potatoes.

Willey Farms reopens to sell Christmas trees after a devastating fire

The first customers returned to Willey Farms on Friday after it burned to the ground earlier in November. The business, which has been in operation for 40 years, lost its inventory in the fire but the Christmas trees and greens hadn't come in yet. Now it can at least sell those items, even if customers are missing their fresh produce and meats. Locals have rallied in support. "Normally we just go to a lot, to whatever is close to our grocery store and convenient, but we made a special trip down here," one customer said.

Kelly Gibbs, initially charged with murder in the death of Correctional Officer Lt. Steven Floyd in a 2017 prison riot, died early Thursday morning, according to officials, who have not released many details about his death. Foul play is not suspected. Gibbs, 30, pleaded guilty earlier this week to rioting and other charges. During a trial, witnesses pointed to Gibbs as being a key player in Floyd's death. Earlier this month, Luis Cabrera, 49, a potential witness in the trial, also died in prison.

Police force relocation of turkey giveaway

LaDaye and Jaron Johnson, with grassroots group Cool Shoes Inc., were passing out free Thanksgiving turkeys in Wilmington on Wednesday when police told them to leave because they didn't have a permit, LaDaye Johnson said. A local minister let them use his church's parking lot so the event could continue. Police stayed nearby, apparently monitoring the giveaway. "All they were doing was handing out turkeys," a resident said. The police department did not comment.

The Eagles are getting desperate at cornerback

The Eagles' top five cornerbacks are out or dealing with injury. That's left recent signings Cre'Von LeBlanc, De'Vante Bausby and Chandon Sullivan as the expected starters against the Giants this week. Practice squad receivers Braxton Miller and Dorren Miller have been getting scout team reps in the secondary. "This isn’t a situation that’s for the faint of heart or the weak minded," said safety Malcolm Jenkins, the only healthy starting defensive back left.

Cash won't be an option for the tolls when US 301 Mainline opens

There won't be any tollbooths when the new U.S. 301 Mainline road opens as early as the beginning of the new year. Drivers without E-ZPass will have their license plates scanned and get a bill in the mail. They'll have to pay within 30 days or face additional fees. Officials say all new toll roads in the U.S. are using the "All Electric Tolling" system, and that it will reduce congestion. By 2022, the state estimates revenues of $22.7 million a year from the new toll road, which is intended to help ease Middletown's traffic burden.